Lip wrinkles are often referred to as lipstick lines, vertical lines or smoker’s lines. They are a part of the natural ageing process. These fine lines often run vertically on the top of the lips and can also appear all around the mouth area.
Some factors that may contribute to lip wrinkles include sun damage, repetitive muscle movement, smoking and genetics. Lip wrinkles age the face, but fortunately, we have five ways to get rid of lip wrinkles. Keep reading to find out more!
Why Do I Have Lines On My Lips?
Lip lines are caused by a number of reasons, including ageing and consuming foods and beverages that can promote lip wrinkles. Everyday behaviours can also fasten the process of lip wrinkle formation. These include:
- Drinking from a straw
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Smoking
- Whistling
As the lips are constantly scrunched or puckered it promotes the development of lip lines.
How Can I Get Rid Of Lip Wrinkles?
Luckily, we have five ways that can help get rid of lip lines.
1. Exfoliate The Lips
Exfoliation is key to getting rid of lip wrinkles.
Using a lip scrub or balm can get rid of chapped lips, reduce dry lips and improve barrier function. It’s ideal to use a lip scrub at least twice a week to ensure thorough exfoliation. When exfoliating, make sure to focus on the lines and avoid putting too much pressure on the delicate lip skin.
Some simple home recipes for a lip scrub:
- Basic scrub – 1 tsp honey, 2 tsp sugar
- Sugar scrub – 2 tbsp fine sugar, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp honey, 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil
- Honey scrub – 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp almond oil
- Oat scrub – 1/2 cup ground oats, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup vegetable oil
2. Use A Lip Balm With Sunscreen
Lip wrinkles are often more noticeable when skin is dry.
A lip balm with sunscreen will help to protect the lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays and keep them hydrated. It’s important to use a lip balm that contains broad-spectrum SPF, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It is ideal to aim for a minimum of SPF 30, though SPF 50+ is best.
Some of our favourites lip balms with sunscreen are: Nivea Ultra Care and Protect SPF 30, Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Lip Balm and Blistex Ultra Lip Balm SPF 50+
3. Take Collagen Supplements
Collagen is ideal for keeping the skin looking youthful.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but production becomes depleted as we age. This can lead to lip wrinkles, among other signs of ageing.
Collagen supplements help to boost the body’s collagen levels and keep skin looking youthful. Some great collagen supplements include: Hydrolysed Collagen, Marine Collagen and Biocell Collagen. Collagen supplements can be mixed with water, added to your favourite smoothies or meals.
4. Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your skin.
As smoking requires repetitive lip movement and lip pursing, it can cause lip wrinkles. Smoking also contributes to premature ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer. Smoking decreases the blood supply to the skin, which deprives it of oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy skin. The longer you smoke, the more wrinkles you are likely to develop. If you are a long time smoker, it’s okay – it’s not too late to quit.
If you want to get rid of lip wrinkles, consider quitting smoking.
5. Get Lip Injections
If you are looking for a more permanent solution to lip wrinkles, lip injections may be the answer.
Lip injections are a fast and easy way to reduce lip wrinkles. It involves the injection of dermal fillers into the lips to fill in lip wrinkles and give them a plumper, more youthful appearance. There is minimal risk and downtime required, making it an ideal treatment.
There are a variety of different lip injections available, so it is important to speak to a qualified doctor about which would be best for you. Some common lip injection fillers include: collagen, hyaluronic acid and fat cells.
We hope you have found these five tips helpful in getting rid of lip wrinkles! As always, if you have any questions or need advice, please speak to a qualified professional.
